The boreal forest in Canada is a fascinating place and covers closet to 58 per cent of the country. It’s also home to a vast proportion of living things – roughly two thirds of Canada’s 140,000 species of plants, animals and micro-organisms. If you don’t know much about it, or you’re curious about the boreal region, read on for a primer on this amazing and beautiful place.
What is the boreal forest?
The boreal forest stretches more than 5,000 kilometres from Newfoundland to the Yukon and its nearly six million square kilometers make up one of the largest intact forest ecosystems in the entire world. That’s even bigger than the Amazon rainforest. The vast and ecologically important region consists of forests, lakes, rivers, streams and wetlands, and is home to thousands of species of wildlife. It also happens to hold more than 80 per cent of the world’s liquid freshwater in its 1.5 million lakes and many significant river systems. Canada’s boreal forest stretches through every province in the country except for Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island. More than four million people call the Boreal Forest home, the majority of which are Canada’s Aboriginal people.
Why is the boreal forest so important?
In addition to being home to so much freshwater and diverse wildlife, the boreal forest houses 25 per cent of the world’s remaining original forests. More than 30 per cent of North America’s bird population relies on the Boreal for breeding and 325 bird species depend on the region for shelter at some point in their lives. Its wetlands filter millions of litres of water a day, removing impurities in the process. The wetlands also lessen the effects of floods and droughts by storing water and helping to ensure there is a balance of water flow between the upland and lowland areas of the region. The boreal forest also plays an integral role in protecting biodiversity since it’s one of the very few remaining intact ecosystems in the world.
The boreal forest also has another impressive job: 208 billion tonnes of carbon are stored in the trees, soils, water and peat. Not only that, the extensive network of forest produces oxygen – so much so that at the height of their growth period in the spring and summer, levels of carbon dioxide fall and levels of oxygen rise worldwide.
Currently 10 per cent of Canada’s boreal forest is protected by the government and only six per cent is protected permanently. However, there are actions being taken to help conserve and protect the region. Canada’s provinces and territories are committed to protecting more and more of the boreal regions, which is a big step in the right direction.
Why visit and what can you find there?
Canada’s boreal forest is well worth a visit for many reasons. Outdoor enthusiasts will find plenty to keep them busy, from hiking and birdwatching to canoeing and backcountry camping. There is also the opportunity to spot wildlife (from a safe and respectful distance) and see many species of flowers, plants and trees. So in other words, bring your camera.
Since the boreal forest stretches through so much of Canada there are many places from which you can explore the region and there is much to be found there. For starters, the boreal forest contains 20 species of trees that create a dense forest canopy and make the perfect home for the more than 85 species of mammals that can be found there. Some of these mammals include wolves, grizzly and black bears, elk, wood bison, lynx, caribou, beavers and snow rabbits among many others. Birds rely heavily on the Boreal and it’s estimated that three billion (or more) birds of all kinds breed in the boreal forest every year. The area’s wetlands are particularly important for ducks, 13 million of which rely on the habitat for all of their life stages. You can also find 130 species of fish and an estimated 32,000 species of insects.
Visiting the boreal forest
Spring through early fall (May through October) are the best times to visit the boreal forest as winters are usually quite harsh and you can do so in the following provinces and territories: Newfoundland and Labrador, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia, Nunavut, Northwest Territories and Yukon.
Some choice spots from which to experience the boreal forest include the following:
• Boreal Trail in Meadow Lake Provincial Park, Saskatchewan
• Wabakimi Provincial Park, Ontario
• Terra Nova National Park, Newfoundland and Labrador
• Grass River Provincial Park, Manitoba
• Banff National Park, Alberta
Featured image: Susan Drury
